Massive Clear Out To Hit Kotoko Squad

New Asante Kotoko boss David Duncan is intent on totally overhauling his squad for the upcoming season, and this includes shipping out those players he has deemed as dead weight, with club GM Opoku Nti hinting that at least FIVE top foreigners could be signed, Ghanasportsonline.com can exclusively reveal. After the disaster that represented their campaign in the CAF Champions League this season, in which they failed to go past round 32 of the competition, and further taking tumbles in the Ghana league with unimpressive results, Kotoko have been keen on moving from it as quickly as possible. The Porcupine Warriors started off the season well under former coach Didi Dramani, and were active in the transfer market as well, bringing in players like Obed Owusu, Jackson Owusu, Emmanuel Clottey, Ofori Antwi, Dauda Mohammed, Emmanuel Asante, Frank Sarfo Gyamfi as well as enigmatic Ivorian striker Ahmed Toure also making a sensational return. Still, the former Hearts of Oak boss is not impressed with the modification of the squad, and has been linked with bringing in more reinforcements, and naturally, for some to come in, others must depart. After being granted the authority to assess his current squad and make recommendations on the materials he deems fit for the Kotoko standard, the tough-talking trainer is now confident that the Opoku Nti-led management will support a still more aggressive restructuring of the club's squad at the end of the season. Duncan has already hinted that certain players will have to be shipped out of the squad if "they are not able to justify themselves within a stipulated period of time" with several players being told to up their game in the remaining part of the season or face the AXE. According to club sources, Duncan has prioritised a central defender, a left back, two midfielders and a centre forward ahead of completing a substantial overhaul of his Kotoko squad as the season end draws close. General Manager of the club Samuel Opoku Nti has told Ghana Sports that a recommendation to that effect has been put forward by himself and also waiting on the end season technical report to confirm who comes in and who goes out. "Personally I have proposed that we go across Africa to sign at least FIVE quality players in defence, midfield and most importantly attacking position and it is something we are very much dedicated to". "I cannot confirm or deny about transfers but it is imminent that some players will exit whiles others come in with fresh blood...and this happens at the end of every season". Improving the quality of his defensive options is critical to the new Kotoko boss, who has played skipper Amos Frimpong as a makeshift central defender for most parts of the season despite the former BA Stars man being a natural right-back. The record Ghana league champions are currently ninth on the GhanaLeague log, eight points adrift of top placed AshGold, and with some lacklustre displays in the season so far, Duncan recognises that a number of areas within his squad require renovation. Reports in the local media have already suggested that Duncan made an inquiry for Hearts of Oak's Ivorian center-back Ruben Gnagne before the Phobians moved swiftly to offer the robust defense man a new improved deal thereby stalling the reunion between the two. Rumours are rife that former Hearts of Oak defender Nuru Sulley is being targeted by the Kumasi-based side whiles the tabs is also on ex Kessben centre-back Daniel Addo. Duncan, according to Ghana Sports sources, is maintaining close dialogue with key Chelsea officials ahead of what he sees as a crucial period of transformation for the club, with discussions on both player recruitment and sales set to continue at the Baba Yara stadium. Players like Emmanuel Clottey, who has already been linked with an exit due to his poor performances and contractual disputes are among the crop who will not be featuring in the Red jersey next season.